Adapting Cities for Older Adults Through Universal Design.

Area of Science:

• Urban Planning
• Gerontology
• Public Health

Background:

• Global population ageing presents challenges for urban environments and services.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) established the Age-Friendly Cities and Communities network to address these challenges.
• Urban areas, particularly in Nordic countries, face rapid growth in the 75+ population cohort.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the implementation of age-friendliness factors in urban design through case studies.
• To evaluate how the Age-Friendly Cities framework influences urban environments.
• To provide practical measures for enhancing age-friendliness in cities.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative case study methodology involving user participation.
• Mixed methods assessment including policy analysis, site observations, and user feedback.
• Analysis based on Universal Design principles and the WHO framework.

Main Results:

• The study examines the practical application of age-friendly principles in urban settings.
• It identifies how policies and user participation contribute to inclusive urban design.
• Case studies illustrate the impact of the Age-Friendly Cities framework on the built environment.

Conclusions:

• The Age-Friendly Cities framework can guide inclusive urban design, enhancing quality of life for older adults.
• Integrating user knowledge and Universal Design principles is crucial for creating sustainable, age-friendly cities.
• Further research and practical application of best practices are needed to promote age-friendly urban development.